What amendments were ratified during Reconstruction? Notes #24

The 13th Amendment was ratified in 1865 to officially abolish slavery in the U.S.

In response, Southern states passed Black Codes in an attempt to deny equal rights to African Americans.

As a result, the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 to protect the rights of African Americans . . .

. . . by awarding citizenship to native born people (including former slaves) and guaranteeing equal protection under the law.

Years when Southern states were readmitted into the Union Congress would not readmit Southern states to the Union (U.S.) if they did not ratify the 14th Amendment. Years when Southern states were readmitted into the Union

The 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870 to protect the voting rights of citizens (regardless of “race, color, or previous condition of servitude”).